Body of missing hiker found in Sequoia-Kings Canyon

The body of a Santa Cruz hiker has been found in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks northwest of Mount Gardiner, park authorities said.

Searchers discovered the body of Gregory Muck, 46, at the 12,000-foot elevation Wednesday afternoon. Parks spokeswoman Dana Dierkes said Muck appears to have fallen in rocky and steep terrain. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The body was transferred to the Fresno County Coroner's Office.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks reported Muck missing Tuesday morning. Muck was hiking alone from Roads End in Cedar Grove to Gardiner Basin, traveling through Gardiner Pass, officials said. He planned to stay there for several days, then go back to Roads End out of Gardiner Creek to Woods Creek.